You can’t beat watching DC’s fireworks show on the Mall—but if you’ve done it once and braved the massive crowds, you may not be eager to try it again. So read below for some less-crowded spots to consider.

One second it’s pouring, the next it’s unbearably hot—and those of us less than thrilled with the indecisive weather gods are staying inside. But there’s a good reason to venture out this weekend and next: the Smithsonian’s ten-day Folklife Festival on the Mall, rife with (free!) options for both soggy and stifling days. This year’s featured regions are the Mekong River, Northern Ireland, and, in honor of Jamestown’s 400th anniversary, Virginia. Read below for our tips on what to see in all weather and pictures of the activities.

Some call her music country noir. I just think it’s mesmerizing. And mesmerizing is the way to describe Neko Case’s live show, where the sultry chanteuse sings with passion and intensity. Her August 16 appearance at the 9:30 Club is sure to sell out. Tickets ($22) just went on sale today, so get them while they’re available.

Another band at the 9:30 Club worth seeing is Editors, a British group that churns out grand, sweeping music reminiscent of the best of ’90s-era Brit-pop. They’ll be in town September 4; tickets ($15) went on sale today.

I can’t believe that most of Aerosmith is still around, let alone touring extensively. But miracles never cease, and one of them is the energy level of lead singer Steve Tyler. For Aerosmith’s sure-to-be-rollicking show at Nissan Pavilion September 16, get your tickets when they go on sale tomorrow at 10 am. $31-131.

Two-day passes to the Virgin Festival on August 4 and 5 are still available for $175. It’s your chance to see big-name groups like the Police, the Beastie Boys, and Smashing Pumpkins.

The Meat Puppets, the influential rock act with a tumultuous past (jail time and heroin addictions), have reunited and are going on tour for the first time in more than a decade. They’ll be at the Black Cat September 9; tickets ($15) go on sale Friday, June 29, at 5 pm.

Tennis fans won’t want to miss on the annual Legg Mason Tennis Classic, which starts July 28 at DC’s Fitzgerald Tennis Center. Tickets ($10-$20) are on sale now.

These United States play the Rock N Romp show. Photo by Kyle Gustafson.

Saturday, June 30: If you’re an indie-rock-loving parent who finds it hard to make it to shows because of the little one, don’t despair: Rock N Romp is here to save your summer. It’s a kid-friendly summer concert series that showcases local indie rock while letting the kids rock along with Mom and Dad. The volume is lowered, there are plenty of toys for kids to play with, and best of all, there are loads and loads of juice boxes—for everybody. This Saturday from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, music acts These United States, Laura Gibson, and Casey Dienel will be playing at McGinty’s Public House in Silver Spring. (911 Ellsworth Drive). $5 for adults; kids under 12 are free, and adults must be accompanied by a child for admission.

There's lots more to do this weekend, including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a 25-person robed band in concert, and a weekend-long party of freakshow performances. Check it all out in our Where & When Weekend column.

Bruce Willis and his daughters at the National Museum of American History.

After being held up by a flight delay, heavy traffic, and a midday rainstorm, Bruce Willis arrived in town Wednesday to unveil a collection of Die Hard objects donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Accompanied by teen daughters Rumer and Lullah, Willis noted how it was “exciting” and “cool” for his grime-and-fake-blood-smeared tank top to be immortalized in a museum with R2-D2. A Die Hard movie poster, a John McClane detective badge, and the script for Live Free or Die Hard are also among the donated items. The script, in fact, arrived just Wednesday morning to prevent any spoilers from leaking details before the movie officially opened yesterday.

The (fake) blood-smeared tank top Willis donated to the museum.

Willis said playing an action hero was fun, but he urged the crowd to appreciate real heroes, like those who serve in the military.“If you see a policeman, say thank you,” he said.

On other matters, Willis said he was proud of his daughters, expressed his love for Dorothy’s ruby slippers—also on display in the Smithsonian—and admitted that he as not yet chosen a presidential candidate to support.

National Museum of American History director Brent Glass and curator Dwight Blocker Bowers were on hand to commemorate the addition to the museum’s action-adventure genre collection. The items will be on display in the National Air and Space Museum while the American History museum undergoes renovations.

Nothing brings back summer childhood memories of melted ice cream cones and belly flops quite like the smell of chlorine. Poolside is the destination for area residents who can’t bear the heat and humidity of Washington’s summer. City and county recreation departments list neighborhood pools, but unexpected spots to cool off also can be found at area hotels. Read below for where you can take a dip.

Head over to the National Museum of Women in the Arts this Wednesday for a screening of Don’t Tell (La bestia nel cuore), the Italian film that is the feature this week from the museum's series "Women Directors at the Oscars."

Don't Tell is the story of Sabina, a woman with a seemingly perfect life who, out of nowhere, starts having vivid nightmares that also affect her brother, Daniele. Sabina, who also discovers she is pregnant, goes to visit her brother and his family in Charlottesville to see if she can get to the depths of what is causing her nightmares.

The film screening is just $5 ($4 for students), and you must RSVP in advance. Call 202-783-7370 or email reservations@nmwa.org. 7 pm.

Want a pre-film drink? Search for the perfect happy hour on our handy new Happy Hour Finder.